Nervous System Flashcards
The CNS is composed of (2):
- brain (forebrain/ midbrain/ hindbrain)
- spinal cord
The PNS is composed of:
(everything else)
- cranial nerves
- spinal nerves
- peripheral ganglia
2 types of cells within the nervous system:
- neurons (conduct signals)
- neuroglia (support cells for neurons - maintenance)
How many neurons does the brain have?
Approx 100 billion neurons
Neurons form connections to other cells via _______.
synapses
T/F
Each neuron has about 100,000 connections with other neurons.
True
A collection of nerve cell bodies within the CNS is called a _______.
nucleus
diff than that of a cell - nerve cell bodies like to stay clumped together
A collection of nerve cell bodies in the PNS is called a ________.
ganglion
Part of neuron that brings info INTO cell body; stimulated by environment.
dendrite
Part of neuron that conducts nerve impulse towards a synaptic terminal.
axon
Nissel bodies (in neuron)
- aids in production + dispersal of proteins and peptides
- resides in cytoplasm of neuron soma
The initial segment of an axon, where it connects to the soma of the neuron. This is important for how the nerve fires/ depolarizes.
Axon Hillock
maximizes communication b/n nerves + cells
Phospholipid layers covering an axon (shields contact w/ interstitial fluid). It improves the speed of an action potential.
Myelin sheath
Individual myelinated cells that are wrapped around an axon to speed up conductive impulse.
Schwann cell (type of glial cell)
Side branches of an axon.
axon collateral
Synaptic bouton
The end of an axon terminal where one neuron synapses on another.
What causes summation of the initial segment of the Axon Hillock?
[excitatory input] + [inhibitory input] = summation = threshold potential?
–> if threshold potential is reached, the neuron will fire.
THINK: threshold potential of Na+, K+ ion channels opening/closing
This type of neuron has two poles separated by a cell body. It is found in special sense cells (i.e. sight).
Bipolar neuron
This type of neuron has its cell body situated to one side. It is predominant in the sensory nervous system aka sensation (touch).
Unipolar neuron
This type of neuron has multiple dendrites and a single axon. Most neurons are classified as this.
Multipolar neuron
Give 5 examples of multipolar neuron cells.
- pyramidal cell (cortex)
- purkinje cell (cerebellum)
- stellate cell
- granule cell
- basket cell
2 types of neuroglia found in PNS
- SATELLITE CELL (surround neuron cell bodies; maintains homeostatic environ. for efficiency in metabolic function)
- SCHWANN CELL (surround axons; assists in repair process)
4 types of neuroglia found in CNS
- OLIGODENDROCYTE (myelinate axons - sometimes >1 axon/ cell)
- ASTROCYTE (maintains homeostatic balance around nerve cell body)
- MICROGLIA (remove pathogens+ waste via phagocytosis)
- EPENDYMAL (line inside lumen of nerve, brain; produces+ maintains cerebrospinal fluid)
What is the function of spinal meninges? Name its 3 layers from superficial to deep.
- provides protection by covering the spinal cord and its neural tissue.
- dura mater > arachnoid mater > pia mater
(think: DAP - don’t approach penis?)
Spinal meninges:
- thick, dense, strong fibrous tissue on outside covering of brain and spinal cord
dura mater
think: fibrous = durable matter
Arachnoid mater
- intermediate meningeal layer
- simple squamous epithelium
- cerebrospinal fluid (shock absorber + diffusion medium for nutrients/waste)
Spinal meninges:
- deepest layer, in intimate contact w/ brain tissue; firmly bound to underlying neural tissue (outermost layer of brain tissue)
pia mater
T/F
The CNS floats in cerebrospinal fluid.
True.
3 main parts of the brain
- cerebrum (think: umbrella - largest part)
- cerebellum
- brain stem
5 functions of cerebrum
1) higher COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS (thought, creativity, planning)
2) LANG. & SPEECH (formulation, comprehension)
3) somatic MOTOR FUNCTION (skeletal muscle activity, coordinates movement - basal ganglia)
4) somatic SENSORY function (interpret stimuli from environ.)
5) regulates EMOTIONAL aspects of behaviour
What is the basal ganglia (cerebrum) responsible for?
- regulates and coordinates movement [somatic motor function]
Cerebral cortex
- outside
- GREY matter
- made of: neuronal cell bodies
Cerebral medulla
- inside
- WHITE matter
- made of: axons
Name the 3 poles of the cerebrum.
- frontal
- occipital
- temporal
Name the 4 lobes of the cerebrum.
- Frontal
- Parietal
- Occipital
- Temporal
Which lobe controls vision?
occipital lobe
Which lobe controls perception of self in space and sensory?
parietal lobe (think: Perception = Parietal)
Which lobe controls higher cognitive functions such as planning, strategy and motor skills?
frontal lobe
Which lobe controls memory, hearing, learning and social behaviour?
temporal lobe (think: hearing @ ears = temporal)
Where does the motor homunculus exist along the cortex of the brain?
Precentral gyrus (primary motor cortex) - most space dedicated to hands and face
Where does the sensory homunculus exist along the cortex of the brain?
Postcentral gyrus (primary sensory cortex) - most area dedicated to upper extremity and face
Name the 3 types of fibre tracts in the brain and their locations.
- PROJECTION fibres (cortex to other)
- ASSOCIATION fibres (cortex to cortex)
- COMMISSURAL fibres (interhemispheric)
Which type of fibre tract connects portions of the cerebral cortex within the same hemisphere?
Association fibres (think: lateral// short and long)
Which type of fibre tract connects the cerebral cortex to other regions of the brain and spinal cord?
Projection fibres (think: more vertical)
What type of fibre tract has interhemispheric connections?
Commissural fibres
What are the 3 main functions of the cerebellum (bell-shaped)?
- compares and corrects intended vs evolving movement
- ensures smooth, coordinated, purposeful movements (skilled)
- regulates posture + balance
What is cerebellar ataxia?
- disease of cerebellum
- intention tremor – > reduced ability to effect control of movements
- lack of balance/ coordination
What are the 3 components of the brainstem?
- midbrain (superior)
- pons
- medulla oblongata (inferior)
- -> THINK: mighty penis me
What is the function of the thalamus?
- relays sensory info to the brain
- acts as a centre for pain perception
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
- homeostatic functions within the body
What are the 5 functions of the brainstem?
1) motor + sensory connections from cortex/thalamus to spinal cord
2) houses cranial nerve nuclei (origins of CNs)
3) Reticular Activating System (arousal of cortex, consciousness)
4) regulate HR, breathing
5) regulates swallowing, gag reflex
What is another word for the midbrain?
mesencephalon
Ventricles of the Brain:
The anterior, posterior and inferior horns collectively constitute the _________ ventricle?
lateral ventricle
T/F
The central canal within the spinal cord enlarges to the fourth ventricle as it moves towards the brain, eventually growing into the third ventricle.
True.
T/F
The fourth ventricle of the spinal cord in the brain lies between the midbrain and cerebellum.
False.
The fourth ventricle lies between the PONS and the cerebellum
T/F
The third ventricle lies between the thalamuses.
True.
Why is the midbrain responsible for Parkinson’s disease?
- substantia nigra regulates motor activity + neuronal degeneration (Park’s)
The substantia nigra and red nucleus (regulator of motor activity) are found in which part of the brainstem?
Midbrain
also a relay centre for visual + auditory pathways; CN 3+4
Why does the Pons of the brainstem have such a big belly?
Houses axons travelling b/n cerebrum + cerebellum
CN 5-8
What is the medulla oblongata responsible for?
Contains vital cardio-respiratory regulatory centres.
CN 9-12
Which artery in the brain connects the anterior+posterior blood supply?
Posterior communicating artery
Which artery in the brain connects the R/L hemisphere blood supplies?
Anterior communicating artery
Differentiate the functions of the anterior/ middle/ posterior cerebral arteries.
- ANTERIOR: supplies blood to many diff (anterior) regions
- MIDDLE - supplies blood to anterior brain
- POSTERIOR - supplies blood to temporal + occipital lobes